The best syrah/shiraz from around the world
Sicilia Igt 2011, Syrah, Cusumano, Italy red, $13.25, SAQ #10960777. Ripe but not rich, this Sicilian version of syrah shows the darker fruit notes of a warmer climate, but without venturing too far into the jam. Good freshness, soft tannins. Keep it cool. Serve at 16C. Drink now-2014. Food-serving idea: aperitif, mushroom quiche
Côtes de Provence 2011, Château la Tour de L’Évêque, France red,
$18.30, SAQ #440123. Dark berries on the nose, mixed with fig and dried dates. Gets decidedly gamey in the mouth, with the essence of the blackberry blending in with garden herbs and black licorice. Blended with cabernet, but still shows the beauty of southern syrah. Drink now-2015. Food-pairing idea: steak with peppercorns, wild meats like deer Syrah 2011, Woodthorpe, Hawkes Bay, Te Mata, New Zealand red, $22, SAQ #10826391. Beautiful aromatics here — lavender, allspice and succulent red fruit. Texture is beautiful. Youthful. So fresh and juicy. If this is what syrah is in New Zealand, start planting, folks. Serve at 16C. Drink now-2014. Food-pairing idea: meat stir-fries with ginger and spice Syrah 2010, Central Coast, Qupé, California red, $25.25, SAQ #866335. Beautiful wine from California’s Central Coast. While ripe, there is an underlying minerality and herbal note that reminds me of some of the better examples from France’s Languedoc. Fine tannins, redder fruits — classy yet very approachable. Serve at 16C. Drink now-2016. Food-pairing idea: leg of lamb Crozes-Hermitage 2010, Domaine des Grands Chemins, Delas, France red, $29.25, SAQ #11099587. Hard to talk about Delas in these pages as the wines sell out too quickly. Modern-styled Crozes that shows beautiful typicity — red fruits, spice and licorice, but with a softer, satiny texture. Serve at 16C. Drink now-2016. Foodpairing idea: braised beef with ginger and mushrooms Shiraz 2008, Gold Label, Barossa, Wolf Blass, Australia red, $29.95, SAQ # 10829200. Yes, the fruit is ripe, but there’s a real finesse here. Dark berried fruit and typical Barossa chocolate and spice on the finish. Try this with braised meats. Serve at 18C.
Drink now-2018. Food serving idea: braised blade steak with soya and ginger Shiraz 2005, Eileen, McLaren Vale, Thomas Hardy & Sons, Australia red, $85, SAQ #11612635 (Signature store only, free delivery). Love the complexity of fruit — from darker notes to red plums. Fine tannins, licorice, earth and meaty notes. Hardpressed to place this i n Australia because of the freshness and lack of anything resembling jammy fruit. Exceptional. Serve at 18C. Drink now2020. Food-serving idea: rib roast